NFLPA issues brief statement on settlement of concussion lawsuits

Initially, the NFLPA had no comment about the settlement of the concussion lawsuits brought by former players.

Now, the union has issued a brief, one-sentence statement: “All of the plaintiffs involved are part of our player community, and we look forward to learning more about the settlement.”

The NFLPA has kept its head low throughout the concussion litigation, in large part because none of the plaintiffs had sued the players’ union — but any, some, or all of them could have sued. If the cases had ever gone to trial (and some cases still could, if players opt out and pursue their claims), the NFL would have highlighted the NFLPA’s role in projects like the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee, which allegedly understated the impact of concussions for years.

The NFLPA surely will be skeptical of the amounts paid by the NFL to settle these claims, especially since it breaks down to $23.9 million per team, to be paid out over 20 years. For businesses worth roughly $1 billion each at a minimum, that’s a small price to pay to avoid what could have been staggering liability.

So while the NFLPA isn’t saying much now, we’ve got a feeling that the NFLPA will be saying plenty as the details of the settlement become fully digested and understood.

This whole players don’t deserve a cent mantra by some is so backwards and foolish.

If a worker suffers injury or disability at any job, They receive coverage or compensation. If the employer is responsible or has some form of liability than the employee is entitled to disability coverage.

The current player is better protected by their employer more so than players of the past were. Players of the past were not protected and they did not receive coverage. Painting players from the past as some greedy millionaires grabbing for cash that they don’t deserve is silly. This entire league is built upon the sweat and blood and bones of the players from the past.

Current players and past players deserve every single cent they get. In fact, You can argue that they are under paid based upon the service and skill they are providing. Which is a unique and special skillset that very few have.

Standing in front of the owners and pointing at the players as greedy is so foolish. If you are looking for greed just turn around. The real greed is right behind you.

jayniner says:Aug 29, 2013 4:50 PM

wilsonwillbreaku says:
Aug 29, 2013 4:20 PM

I think what it all boils down to is 9ers suck.
__________

I’m surprised the Warden let you out of your Oakland prison cell and gave you internet access.

I got a heel blister played sandlot football. Where’s my $$? Wanna get paid !
The NFL and Riddell have always had a very tight relationship. Like in no competition for many years.
All about cost. Cheaper the price the better. Now that is coming back to bite the crappy cheap helmet NFL in the ASS like a seawater gator.

Geez. Seahawks fans appear to think about the 49ers more than 49ers fans do.

sampulls says:Aug 29, 2013 5:58 PM

firstand4ever

You really don’t get it, do you.
‘It’s not my fault mentality’ is what is tearing the very fabric of this country apart.

302baller says:Aug 29, 2013 6:09 PM

@firstand4ever—> It’s not foolish or backwards. It’s inherently dangerous. They are very well compensated for a game they already know is like to cause them injury. Many kids, teens and young adults quit after they get hurt because they do not think it’s worth it to be hurt. These guys are no different. If they continue does that make them smart?? Nobody if forcing them to play. Don’t give me the if people at other jobs got hurt they’d get compensation….you’re not comparing apples to oranges. To use your logic I’d say if you got a concussion more than once at Walmart, you’d not continue your job. Plain and simple. These guys make money hand over fist, then later when the money is gone because they’ve purchased large homes and cars, the company is supposed to compensate them, b/c they suddenly realize it was bad to be concussed!? That’s BS, they don’t deserve a cent! The NFL is a big bully of a cartel, I love pulling for the little guy, but not in this case.

opinion157983 says:Aug 29, 2013 6:15 PM

All I want to know is, are the guys who were suing and still trying to get back in the nfl at the same time getting any of this money?